The damage could be as a result of bite wound,accidents,but the most common cause is severe head shaking and scratching which is associated with heavy tick infestation. Otitis media and allergic dermatitis are underlying causes of aural haematoma,hence thorough examination is essential in treatment protocol.
Treatment of haematoma can be surgical or non surgical intervention.
Haematomas can resolve on their own but the ear will assume a cauliflower shape,hence disfiguring the shape and size of ear.
Non surgical intervention involves draining the fluid and flushing the cavity with saline to remove any clot or fibrin. The draining will be done a number of times because the haematoma recurs.There is a tendency for secondary bacteria infection because of several needle pokes,hence complicating the case of haematoma.
The surgical intervention involves lancing the haematoma,flushing the cavity with saline,then some sutures are placed on the pinna.
The sutures are to hold the wall to the cartilage beneath,to ensure there is no space for pooling of blood.The incision site is not sutured,rather the sutures placed on both sides of pinna provide the necessary closure.
The sutures are removed after a week, and the animal is placed on antilnflammtory drugs,analgesic and incision site is sprayed with wound oil treatment to repel flies.
The ear could be wrapped up in bandage or a head collar is placed on the animal to prevent cutting off the stitches.
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